Michigan ranks 7th in nation for H1N1 deaths

MICHIGAN -- Michigan now ranks seventh in the nation for H1N1-related deaths.

According to the latest report issued by the Centers for Disease Control on July 2, seven people in Michigan have now died from the H1N1 virus. All but one of the deaths were in southeast Michigan in the areas surrounding metropolitan Detroit.

Three of the deaths occurred in Macomb County, two in Oakland County and the remaining two were in Roscommon County and the city of Detroit.

The only states reporting more H1N1 deaths are: Arizona (10), California (21), Illinois (13), New York (44), Texas (17) and Utah (10).

It should be noted that most people hit by the H1N1 flu virus have experienced symptoms similar in severity to the typical seasonal flu. The state Department of Community Health listed 1881 confirmed or probable cases statewide as of July 4.

Genesee County has added three more cases to its tally within the past month, bringing the total up to 13.

These are the tallies for other counties in the region since June 27:
• Shiawassee has added two new cases for a total of four.
• Bay County has had one more new case for a total of five.
• Saginaw County has added two new confirmed or probable cases for a total of 36.
• Lapeer hasn't reported any new cases, with its total remaining at 11.

As reported earlier, Genesee County's first confirmed case was a 46-year-old woman who went to a local hospital on May 10 for chronic health problems as well as fever and flu-like symptoms. She was tested for the virus and confirmed on May 15, and has since recovered.

Genesee County's first 10 cases ranged in age from 4 to 54 years, with more than half of them under 25. The three newest cases confirmed since June 11 involved a child and two young adults ages 11, 26 and 36.

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Those considered most at risk for complications from any influenza virus are:
• Children younger than 5.
• Adults ages 65 and older.
• Children and adolescents younger than 18 who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy, who could be at risk for Reye syndrome after an influenza virus infection.
• Pregnant women.
• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders.
• Anyone who has a compromised immune system, including those caused by medications or by HIV.

Health officials are closely monitoring the flu season in the southern hemisphere right now, to determine how to handle the 2009 season here.
"We're already beginning to make plans and review materials we've prepared previously when we've had to do special clinics and work with our community partners," said Mark Valacak, Community Health Services Director for the county health department. "We'll be working closely with our partners to be sure we have good access to this year's seasonal flu vaccine here in Genesee County."

Internationally, World Health Organization officials have reported that the majority of infections have been among people younger than 60.

The MDCH is encouraging parents to have all children between six months and 18 years of age vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine in the fall.

"By targeting that population, you actually do a better job of preventing morbidity and mortality even in the older population," said Valacak. "Flu primarily spreads through young people because they're the ones in school associating closely with others. Then the kids bring it home and go to Christmas dinner with grandma and grandpa."

Health officials typically encourage people to wait until late October or November to get vaccinated so that immunities are at their highest level right before the traditional February flu season peak, said Valacak. It's unknown yet what this year's recommendations will be.

Aspirin or products containing aspirin should not be given to anyone age 18 and younger who is experiencing flu-like symptoms due to the risk of Reye syndrome.

MDCH advises parents whose children may be attending camp this summer to instruct their children in good hygiene practices, including hand washing and cough etiquette.